Manchester United v Leicester City Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

Manchester United v Leicester City Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

On May 1st, Leicester City could clinch the Premier League title at Old Trafford. The Foxes are three points away from their first top flight title ever. They may be missing Jamie Vardy, but that didn’t stop them from dismantling Swansea 4-0 last weekend. That combined with Tottenham’s 1-1 draw to West Brom has put Leicester on the cusp of history.

Manchester United will attempt to play the role of spoiler, a role they have not played too often in the Premier League era. United do have their own ambitions in this game as well. Due to Arsenal’s slip in form, The Red Devils have an outside chance of getting into the top four. To do so, they essentially need to win all of their remaining games, so this game is almost as important for them as it is for Leicester.

Team News

Manchester United did not pick up any “fresh injuries” in their last match, according to Louis Van Gaal. They will still be without both Luke Shaw and Bastian Schweinsteiger as they recover from their long term knee injuries. The Dutchman did say Luke Shaw is “Progressing well,” in his recovery.

The big news going into this one was that Jamie Vardy’s suspension was extended by one game. He will miss the trip to Manchester as a result. Outside of that suspension, the only injury concern is to back up striker Leonardo Ulloa. He suffered a knock to his back in the last match, but Claudio Ranieri thinks he should be fit to play against the Red Devils.

Interesting Statistics

Jamie Vardy will be a big miss for Leicester. Not only is he the team’s top scorer, he has also scored in two of his last three appearances vs United. Manchester United have won 11 of their last 13 meetings with Leicester, with their only loss in that time coming in the insane 5-3 marathon of a game last year at the King Power Stadium. Manchester United have the second best defensive record in the league, but they also have the worst goal scoring record in the top nine. Leicester have the best away record in the league with 37 points from 51 available.

Key Players

Manchester United: Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial had a phenomenal day in the Wembley sun last Saturday picking up an assist and a last minute winner to lead Manchester united to their first FA Cup final since 2007. Now he’ll be looking to put in a similar performance to try to lead United back into the thick of the top four chase. Martial has had a modest start to his Manchester United career with eight Premier League goals in his first season, although some of that can be attributed to Louis Van Gaal’s defensive system. He has shown that he has the quality to produce magical moments, and will look to do so against Leicester.

Leicester City: Riyad Mahrez

Speaking of quality and magic, PFA player of the year Riyad Mahrez has shown he has both in spades this season. Mahrez has scored more non penalty goals (13) than any other midfielder this season, according to Squawka. The Algerian became the first African to win the PFA player of the year, and will look to push Leicester across the line to their first Premier League title.

Prediction

Leicester are going to have their work cut out for them to win the title this week. United haven’t had a great season, but they have only lost twice at home in the Premier League this season. Leicester have been on a magical run, but they may have to wait at least one more day until that run culminates in the Premier League title.